State Dep't of Career Educ. v. Means (Majority)
Annotate this CaseAppellee contracted with the Arkansas Department of Career Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services (ARS) to provide psychological and other services. Appellee contacted the United States Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to report his belief that federal funds were being illegally used. A few days later, ARS terminated Appellee's services. Thereafter, Appellee filed the instant action pursuant to the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act, alleging that he was terminated as a result of his report to the OIG. After a jury trial, the circuit court entered judgment in favor of Appellee, awarding damages of $110,452. Finding no error, the Supreme Court affirmed, holding that the circuit court did not err (1) in ruling Appellee was a "public employee" as a matter of law; (2) in denying ARS's motion for a directed verdict on the ground that Appellee failed to report his allegations to an "appropriate authority"; (3) in instructing the jury on mitigation of damages; and (4) in denying ARS's motion for new trial or, alternatively, remittitur.
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